The Hamburg defender is dreaming of representing his country in Brazil in two years' time, and feels his side must keep on working hard in the Bundesliga

EXCLUSIVEBy Hassan Talib Haji

Hamburg defender Heiko Westermann has set his sights on representing Germany at the 2014 World Cup after missing out at the 2010 edition of the tournament and Euro 2012.

The 29-year-old last featured for the national side two years ago, but received a call-up for the for the World Cup qualifiers against Republic of Ireland and Sweden in October.

Although the former Schalke man did not play in either game, he is pleased to have caught the attention of head coach Joachim Low again, and is desperate to make it to Brazil in 2014.

"It would be great to make it to the World Cup. I'm focused on HSV for now, though," Westermann told Goal.com.

"Others will decide whether I make the World Cup squad. The best I can do is to put in good performances at club level.

"It's great that Germany have so many good youngsters. They represent the future. However, experience is quite important as well. It's all about a balanced performance out there. Low knows exactly how to achieve that."

Westermann then went on to discuss Hamburg's performances this season, and insisted that they will have to keep on working hard in order to improve.

"We have already shown what we are capable of this season. We were fighting against relegation last term and sit in mid-table now.

"We still have plenty of work to do, though. We have to remain focused for the full 90 minutes and always give 100 per cent. Only then will we be able to perform consistently and be successful on the long term."

Hamburg currently sit 10th in the Bundesliga table with 17 points from 13 games.